Method and Apparatus for Nerve and Muscle Stimulation and Pain Treatment

Abstract

An apparatus for transcutaneous stimulation comprising: a pulse generator operative to generate repetitive pulses exhibiting a pulse width of 25-60 microseconds, a consistent pulse rise time of no more than 5% of the pulse width and an inter-pulse interval of between 0.1 and 3 milliseconds; an intra-group modulator producing modulated pulses exhibiting an amplitude of between 50% and 100% of a maximum modulated pulse amplitude in a generally increasing manner, the modulated pulses defining a group of pulses, the intra-group modulator being further operative to modulate the pulses to exhibit an amplitude of no more than 25% of the maximum modulated pulse amplitude for a predetermined time period between successive groups of pulses thereby creating a pulse train; and an output modulator modulating the pulse train to produce output pulses exhibiting an amplitude of between 50% and 100% of a maximum according to a predetermined repetitive waveform.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates generally to the field of pain relief devices and more particularly to a device for nerve blocking and / or muscle stimulation through transcutaneous application of electric current.[0002]Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain control has been in use for many years; however medical science remains skeptical of the ability of TENS to block pain in excess of the placebo effect. Few carefully controlled studies have been performed on TENS over the years, and those have generally not found TENS to be ameliorative. However, inadequately randomized studies consistently report that TENS is effective, and TENS remains in broad use throughout the world.[0003]Pain signals reach the brain via nerves and the spinal cord. TENS is thought to either affect the way pain signals are sent to the brain by blocking the transmission function of the nerve or by distracting the brain from the pain signal. If pain signals can be blocke...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]In another embodiment the pulse train is modulated with a triangular waveform, with the rise and fall of the triangular modulation preferably being of equal duration. The particular pulses and modulation thereof is successful in providing improved pain relief.

[0013]In certain embodiments the apparatus provides for a regional anesthesia. Advantageously, in some particular embodiments the apparatus allows for more robust muscle stimulation without undue pain. In certain embodiment the apparatus provides for simultaneous pain relief and muscle stimulation.

Problems solved by technology

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain control has been in use for many years; however medical science remains skeptical of the ability of TENS to block pain in excess of the placebo effect.

Few carefully controlled studies have been performed on TENS over the years, and those have generally not found TENS to be ameliorative.

However, inadequately randomized studies consistently report that TENS is effective, and TENS remains in broad use throughout the world.

Unfortunately, as indicated above, TENS has not yet been successfully proven to ameliorate pain consistently in well designed randomized trials.

The inventors believe that this is in part due to the inappropriate waveforms being utilized by the prior art, which are unable to penetrate large myelinated fibers, and block the pathway to the brain.

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